Imagine your coach saying this about you. “I have to remind myself it’s a year early. He should be graduating high school now. To have the season that he’s had, I think the stats speak for itself.” This is what Coach Jon Scheyer says about Cooper Flagg, the youngest ever to win the AP Player of the Year Award and Oscar Robertson Award. This means he has definitely shown his exceptional talent. But now, as he is dominating over the internet, we will talk about his twin brother Ace Flagg, who is not behind, too. Ace’s journey, though different, has been shaped by the same dedication and hard work that has defined the Flagg brothers’ careers. So, without wasting much of our time, let’s look at Ace’s development and his own rise.
Who is Cooper Flagg’s twin brother, Ace? Are they identical twins?
While Cooper Flagg has taken the spotlight, there is one person in his family who has taken the back seat: his twin brother, Ace. There is no doubt that Cooper is shining with the class of 2024, but Ace is also doing his thing in high school basketball. Now, let’s see our main question that people often ask if they’re identical twins. The answer? No, they’re not. Even Ace is shorter than Cooper. He stands just a few inches shorter at 6’7”.
The Flagg brothers are both children of Kelly and Ralph Flagg, who have always supported their athletic journeys. Well, they got their athletic genes from their parents. As Kelly is a former player at the University of Maine, she brings basketball wisdom to the table. She was no stranger to success—four NCAA appearances and three America East championships prove that. Her love for the game runs deep, and it shows in her coaching role with Cooper’s AAU team. Ralph, on the other hand, played at Eastern Maine Community College and worked at Trident Controls. His calm, steady presence has been a huge influence.
Growing up, the twins were more than just spectators. They were front-row seats to each other’s rise. As the older brother, Cooper set the bar high, but Ace is determined to meet it. It’s exciting to think about what the future holds for Ace. With that, let’s look at his school and their records.
Which high school is Ace Flagg currently in? What are the high schools that he has played for?
Ace Flagg has been on quite a journey through high school basketball. His story begins at Nokomis Regional High School in Newport, Maine, along with Cooper. The Flagg brothers led Nokomis to a Maine Class A state championship in 2022, marking a historic win for the school. This is where all the dominance began! It was a major achievement, and the two brothers quickly became known for their teamwork and determination.
But Ace wasn’t about to stop there. After his success at Nokomis, he transferred to Montverde Academy in Florida. This was a great opportunity as this is one of the best basketball prep schools in the country. And he made the most of it. For example, look at his sophomore stats: he averaged 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. There, the hooper also helped his team win the prestigious Chipotle Nationals and a Sunshine Independent Athletic Association state title. As his game grew, he started getting more recognition; all this led to him being a famous player. In his junior year, his stats included 27 games played in which he earned 2.6 points per game, 1.3 rebounds per game, and 0.4 assists per game.
But, every journey has its ending, right? For his senior year, he transferred to Greensboro Day School in North Carolina. It was another big change, but Ace’s talent shone through. His high school journey had already been impressive, but he was hungry for more. His commitment to basketball became clear with each game he played and each practice he attended.
Looking at Ace’s high school career, it’s not just about the championships or the stats. It’s about resilience and growth. For his future, Ace is committed to playing for the University of Maine in the 2025-26 season. As we saw, his mother, Kelly, played at Maine and was inducted into their Hall of Fame, so there’s a family legacy there. He shared his love for his home state, saying, “It’s definitely an honor to be able to represent this state. If I could pick anywhere to live, I would live here.” He said. The hooper is so connected that he thinks, “There’s no better place, I think.” It will be interesting to see how Ace develops in college. However, did you know that they share the same development coach?
Who is Cooper and Ace Flagg’s player development coach?
Other than Cooper and Ace Flagg’s parents, if there is one person who the Flagg brothers’ fans have to thank is their player development coach, Matt MacKenzie. He, the mastermind behind their growth, and his influence goes beyond simple drills. He emphasizes trust and personal development. His dedication to the Flagg brothers is evident, as he’s worked with them for years.
MacKenzie is not just a coach; he’s also the owner of Results Basketball and Eastern Maine Sports Academy. These facilities in Veazie have become a hub for athletes to fine-tune both their physical and mental skills. He’s seen as a mentor, teaching players not just how to play basketball but how to approach the game like a professional. As he puts it, “When young athletes see Cooper and Ace sweating it out five days a week in the summer, they realize what it takes to treat your body like a pro.”
His approach is about more than just playing the game; it’s about the process. MacKenzie’s work with the Flagg twins sets an example for younger players. His facility also allows teams to practice in real-game conditions, providing a court that mimics tournament settings. What stands out is the relationship he builds with his players. He’s always in communication with their coaches, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This communication makes sure no one feels left out or over-protected in their development.
His collaboration with Duke coach Jon Scheyer on Cooper’s progress shows how well he integrates with coaching teams. He explains that they talk weekly and share each other’s ideas. “We’re talking about what he expects for Cooper, and he bounces ideas off of me, and I bounce ideas off of him.” This connection shows just how deeply involved MacKenzie is in each of his students’ careers.
From his work ethic to his developmental philosophy, Matt MacKenzie plays a huge role in the success of the Flagg twins. His support has helped shape their journey, both on and off the court.
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